450 THE SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY IN IRELAND. 



of success, but unfortunately, the shipbuilding yard was closed in 1892. 

 In i8q8 an effort was agam made to re-start the shipbuilding industry, 

 and 3^ Company called the Londonderry Shipbuilding and Engineering 

 Company, Limited, was formed. The yard was re-opened in the early 

 part of 1899, and was so completely re-organised, that larger vessels could 

 be built than before. Since the re-commencement, several vessels have 

 been built, two of which were over 380 feet in length, one being the " Egga " 

 (see illustration). 



Among the steamship companies for which the Derry Company has 

 built are : — MacVicar Marshall, Liverpool ; Houlder Bros., London ; Elder 

 Dempster, Liverpool ; African Steamship Company, London ; and two 

 Austrian firms. The Company has also undertaken a large quantity of 

 repairs and overhauls, and at the present time has several contracts which 

 will provide employment for many months. One of the serious drawbacks 

 of shipbuilding in Londonderry, is that only the hulls are constructed, and 

 either the hulls have to be towed over, mostly to the Glasgow or Tyne 

 works for their engines, or the engines have to be brought to Londonderry. 

 This causes considerable loss of time and money. Over 400 men and boys 

 are employed, and as the industry is prosperous and progressive, the number 

 of workers required is increasing. 



Though Belfast and Londonderry are the chief seats of the industry, ship- 

 building is carried on also at Haulbowline, and the industry is being revived 

 at Dublin. As regards Haulbowline, though the place has many advantages 

 for shipbuilding, and though a certain amount of activity is displayed there, 

 the industry has not attained any great importance ; it promises well, how- 

 ever, and the Irish Industrial Revival will doubtless benefit the Southern 

 " yard." 



In Dublin an effort is being made to revive the old and once prosperous 

 shipbuilding industry on the Liffey, and an influentially supported Company, 

 the Dublin Dockyard Company, has been formed to carry on the work. 

 The dockyard is being rapidly put into working order, and much modern 

 machinery is being installed. As regards the capacity of the dockyard, 

 there will at first be three berths available for the construction of vessels 

 up to 300 feet in length, and m a little time this accommodation will be 

 increased. It is to be hoped that the attempt to revive an industry of such 

 an important nature will be successful, and that it will obtain the earnest 

 support of the Dublin shipowners, port authorities, and citizens at large. 



